Hundreds visit Newcastle mosque open day

Rasa - Newcastle Muslim Association has opened the doors to its Wallsend mosque, using conversation, clarity and cuisine as a way to forge stronger ties within the community.

News ID: 1443

Date: 21 October 2014 - 02:12

RNA - According to Newcastle Herald, association spokesperson Diana Rah said the organisation had  not been expecting the more than 400 people who visited the mosque on Sunday.

‘‘We were very grateful to them for coming out and getting to know us and allowing us to get to know them,’’ she said.

Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed spoke at the open day, which included an exhibition about Islam, a chance for men and women to try on traditional Islamic dress, mosque tours and a question and answer session.

Visitors were also invited to enjoy a barbecue, traditional homemade sweets and Saudi chai tea.

Ms Rah said the association had ‘‘long wanted’’ to host an open day.

‘‘Our mosque has always had relationships with church and community groups, but we have noticed in recent times some negative reporting about Muslims and an escalation of verbal attacks on Islamic women, of eggs, coffees and milkshakes being thrown at them from car windows,’’ Ms Rah said.

‘‘It’s a very minuscule section of the community – on a whole Novocastrians can be proud of who they are.

‘‘But we wanted to strengthen the existing relationships we have with the community and form new relationships – for everyone to get to know each other and for community harmony.’’

The association had earlier in the week presented certificates formally thanking six men who came to the aid of a Muslim mother and daughter, who were attacked on October 6 in an alleged bigoted tirade on Smith Street, in Newcastle West.

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